Kathmandu, July 15: Observing that an early poll was the only solution to the present political stalemate in Nepal, Prime Minister Surya Bahadur Thapa said if peace talks with Maoist rebels move ahead, an atmosphere conducive for holding elections in the country could be created. "If the talks could move ahead, then only an atmosphere would be created for holding the elections, which is the only solution to rescue the country from the present crisis," Thapa said in his first television interview after being appointed as the Prime Minister of Nepal. The government was committed for holding the general elections soon, but unless the talks with the Maoists take a "positive direction" and the agitating political parties help the government to reach a national consensus, elections would not be possible, Thapa told a private television channel yesterday.
He also said the political issue, for which the five major parties are agitating, no more exists after his appointment by the king entrusting him with the full executive powers. "The October's royal take over was a move out of compulsion," he said. The government is "quite serious" about continuing the talks with the Maoists, the prime minister said. Earlier on Sunday, communication minister Kamal Thapa sent a formal letter to the rebels as per their request calling them for beginning the third round of talks soon. Bureau Report